Search for celebrities on Ancestry.com!Marian L. Newfield
A fourth generation Californian and a Davis resident for more than three decades, Marian Lois Newfield died May 7, 2003, in Davis. She was 88.
The daughter of Melville and Hazel Newfield, Marian was born April 23, 1915, in Piedmont. She spent her early years in Lodi, then moved to Sacramento where she graduated from Sacramento High School in 1933. She attended the University of California, Berkeley and Armstrong Business College.
In 1936 Marian marriage Clinton A. Jewett and settled in Santa Rosa, where Clinton was an assistant farm adviser. In 1945, they began farming near Williams, in Colusa County. There, Marian was active in civic organizations, as well as Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, Children's Home Society, the Colusi Historical Society and the Colusa Wool Growers. For many years, she worked as the bookkeeper at Endeman's Pellet Mill in Williams.
After Clinton Jewett passed away in 1966, Marian moved to Davis. In 1968, she marriage Calvin Cassel. Here she was a member of the Guild of the Davis Art Center, Embroiders' Guild, Friends of the Yolo Archives, Friends of the Davis Branch of the Yolo County Library, and the Davis Genealogical Society.
Marian and Calvin spent many happy years as members of the Sacramento Rubber Bums/Good Sam Club and traveled throughout California and Mexico, as well as Africa.
Marian was, according to her family, an accomplished genealogist, California historian, pianist and needleworker. She remodeled her homes and enjoyed woodworking and gardening. She was an avid reader, lifelong learner and a woman of many talents, interests and accomplishments.
She is survived by her son, Gary Jewett of Williams, her daughter and son-in-law, Linda Jewett and Tony Ashby of Sacramento, and grandchildren Mollia Jewett and Clinton Jewett of Williams, Mark Daterman and his wife, Naomi, of New York, Todd Daterman of Eugene, Ore., Douglas Cassel and his wife Linda of Roseville, and two great-granddaughters, Nicole and Kirsten Cassel of Roseville.
She also leaves behind a wealth of friends who loved her for her generosity, her independent spirit and her wit, her family said.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dalton Newfield, and husbands Clinton Jewett and Calvin Cassel.
At her request, no funeral service will be held. In June, however, family and friends plan to gather to celebrate Marian's life.
Memorial contributions can be made to Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014, Davis, CA 95617; the Clinton A. Jewett Memorial Student Loan Fund, Financial Aid Office, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616; or the Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Center, 2324 Sacramento St., San Francisco CA 94115.
Brice G. Blaylock
Brice Grover Blaylock, a Davis resident for more than 50 years, died May 7, 2003. He was 81.
Born in Wetumka, Okla., on Feb. 18, 1922, he moved to Winters in 1937. He lived there until 1952, then moved to Davis. A World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Engineers, he was retired from the Kaiser Steel Corp.
Blaylock's life and hobbies revolved around his wife of 54 years, Ruby Blaylock, and his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, four sisters and two brothers.
He is survived by his children, Larry G. Blaylock and wife Holly of Browns Valley, Linda M. Blaylock of Davis, and Kathleen S. Blaylock-Pickering and husband Richard of Vacaville; grandchildren, Robin R. Andrews of Florida, Jeffrey E. Andrews of Maine, Connie M. Blaylock and Tracy E. Blaylock, both of Sacramento, Eric S. Pickering of Roseville, Justin L. Pickering of Virginia, and Melonie N. Pickering, Wendy D. Pickering and Kimberly D. Pickering, all of Vacaville; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brothers, Billy Wade Blaylock and his wife Barbara of Oregon, and Herman Leo Blaylock and his wife Carlene of Dixon; and his sister, Nadine Martino and her husband Jim of Woodland.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Davis Funeral Chapel, at 116 D St. in Davis. A funeral will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at the Davis Funeral Chapel, with Burial to follow at the Davis Cemetery.
Opal M. Clack
Opal M. Clack of Woodland died peacefully on May 10, 2002, in Woodland. She was 97.
She was born in Grayson County, Texas, on Nov. 3, 1904, to William Henry and Clara (Overbey) Austin.
She marriage John Henry Clack in 1924. The two came to California from Texas in 1926. At this time, her husband went to work for the Southern Pacific Railroad, which employed him until his retirement in 1965.
She was a loving wife and a fine homemaker. She and her husband lived in the same home in Bakersfield for more than 60 years. In 1992, she moved to Woodland, where she live at St. John's Retirement Village until she died.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1986, her brother Royce and sister Pearl.
She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom shall always remember her fondly as "Aunt Opal."
A private graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Union Cemetery in Bakersfield. No local service is planned.
In lieu of flowers, her family wishes friends to remember her in prayers and honor her with a donation to the charity of their choice.
McNary's Chapel of Woodland and Hopson Mortuary of Bakersfield are assisting the family with arrangements.
Peter J. Graf
Peter John Graf of Sacramento died unexpectedly on May 18, 2002, at his home. Born on Nov. 4, 1957, in Yuba City, he was 44 years old.
He lived with his family until the age of 16, at which time he moved to the Stockton Development Centers. In 1966, he moved to Sacramento and into his own home, where he received supported living services.
He worked for Sacramento Vocational Services and cleaned Sacramento light rail train stations. In his most recent years, he enjoyed a full community life. His interests included spending time with his family, bowling, music, movies, Del Campo High School football games and Giants and River Cats baseball games.
His favorite pastimes were watching "I Love Lucy" reruns and shooting hoops at the gym. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sacramento, where he attended regularly with the O'Toole family.
He is survived by his parents, Jack and Marge Graf of Winters; his siblings, Patty and Craig Anderson of Orangevale, Peggy Graf of Winters, Kathy and Bob Brian of Woodland, Jody Graf and Fran Gibson of Davis, John and Wendi Graf of Fair Oaks; and five nieces and six nephews.
He will be missed by his loving care providers Lori, Staci, Randy, Larry, Fozia and Carrie.
Friends are invited to an evening vigil service that will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Third and Main streets, Winters. Friends are also invited to the funeral mass, which will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will follow the service at Winters Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made in his name to INALLIANCE, Attn: Peter's Fund, 6950 21st Ave., Sacramento, CA 95820. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith's Colonial Chapel in Winters.
Esther M. Kirchmeir
Esther Mary (Morgan) Kirchmeir, who frequently wintered in Davis, died after a short illness on May 18, 2003, in her Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, home. She was 89.
The daughter of Ralph Walter Kibler Morgan and Elizabeth Jane Dockrell of Stratford-upon-Avon, England, she enjoyed a long career as a teacher in both Austria and Alberta. In Edmonton, she was an active supporter of community and historical associations, and was named a Pioneer of Alberta.
She and her husband Hermann Walter Kirchmeir had three children. Their daughter Roswita Norris lives in Davis with her husband Robert, and the Kirchmeirs often visited them for two to three months at a time -- growing fond of a group of friends here they socialized and spoke German with.
Preceded in death by her brother John Morgan of Stratford-upon-Avon, Esther is also survived by brother Paul Morgan and sister-in-law Rosemary of Oxford, England, son Wolf and daughter-in-law Marie of Blind River, Ontario, and son Peter and daughter-in-law Marjorie of Edmonton.
She is also survived by seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Oma," or grandmother.
A memorial service was scheduled to be held today in Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of choice.
Lolita M. Bentz
Lolita M. Bentz of Davis died May 20, 2002, at Turning Leaf Care Facility in Davis. She was 93.
She was born on July 20, 1908, in Michigan.
She is survived by her daughter Barbara and son-in-law Bill Dendy of El Macero; her grandson Greg and his wife Alix Dendy of Pacifica; eight nephews and nieces and their families; and her caregivers at Turning Leaf.
Yolo Hospice assisted in her final care.
A funeral service and Burial will take place Monday in Houston, Miss. She will be buried
beside her husband, John J. Bentz, who died in 1980.
Davis Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements in Davis. Houston Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements in Mississippi.
Memorials may be made in her name to Yolo Hospice, P.O. Box 1014, Davis, CA 95617-1014.
John C. Tucker
John C. Tucker of Rancho Cordova died March 7, 2003, at the UC Davis Medical Center. He was 55.
He was born March 28, 1948, in Woodland to Katrine J. and John M. Tucker.
Preceded in death by his mother, in 1988, he is survived by his father, a Davis resident, and brother Peter A. Tucker, sister Carolyn M. Tucker and nephew Carson S. Mack, all of Sacramento.
A private ceremony was held at Davis Cemetery, with arrangements by Davis Funeral Chapel.
A donation may be made in John C. Tucker's name to the United Cerebral Palsy Association, 191 Lathrop Way, Suite N, Sacramento CA 95815 or by phone at (916) 565-7700.
Margaret A. McMahan
Margaret Ann (Pedroia) McMahan of Woodland died May 24, 2003. She was 71.
The daughter of Ceasar and Beatrice Pedroia, she was born March 13, 1932. A homemaker and mother of six, she lived for 20 years in Browns Valley before returning to Woodland.
She is preceded in death by her husband Richard L. McMahan. She is survived by brothers George, Paul and Bo Pedroia and sister Rainy Bewley, daughter Shery Justice and son-in-law Eddy, son Michael McMahan and daughter Lorinda Keeney and husband Kris, all of Woodland, son Stephen McMahan and daughter-in-law Alice, daughter Hattie McMahan, all of Sacramento, son Kevin McMahan of Lincoln, grandchildren Billy and Chad Justice, Miranda O'Callahan, Brian and Ashlee McMahan and Tanner Keeney, five great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Monument Hill Memorial Park in Woodland.
Josephine H. Rogers
Josephine Horner Rogers, a longtime resident of Ventura, died May 21, 2003, in Davis. She was 98.
A Ventura County pioneer, she was born Nov. 23, 1904, in Simi. One of Joseph and Gertrude Horner's six children, she grew up on a apricot ranch.
Because there was no high school nearby, Josephine lived with her sister, Alice, while attending Ventura High School. She graduated in 1922, but not before meeting Burton L. Rogers. Both attended UC Berkeley, where he graduated from law school, and they marriage in 1926.
Josephine and her husband built a house on Dalton Street in Ventura, her family said, where the Rogerses were a well-known, active couple. She volunteered during World War II and later worked as her husband's legal secretary.
After her husband's death in 1964, Josephine continued living in her Dalton Street home. She prided herself on her flower garden, volunteered with a hospital auxiliary and enjoyed trips with friends to Europe and Asia. In July 1998, after living there for 70 years, she left her home and moved to Covell Gardens in Davis to be near family.
Josephine is survived by her son Burton L. Rogers Jr., and daughter-in-law Eloy of Cupertino, son John "Jack" Rogers and daughter-in-law Phyllis of Davis, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
At her request, no funeral will be held. Her ashes will be interned next to those of her late husband at the Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura. In lieu of flowers, remembrances should be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Simon I. Bravo
Simon Isaac Bravo of Davis died May 27, 2002, at Sutter Memorial Hospital's Special Care Nursery in Sacramento. He was 4 months old.
He was born Jan. 28, 2002, in Sacramento to Emigdio and Malina Bravo of Davis. He came quietly into this world and left quietly. Although here for only a short time, he brought great joy to his parents and to those whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service today at 7 p.m. at Grace Valley Christian Center, 27173 County Road 98, Davis.
Family and friends are also invited to attend a graveside service at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Davis Cemetery, 820 Pole Line Road.
Charitable contributions may be made in Simon's name to the Special Care Nursery at Sutter Memorial Hospital, 5151 F St., Sacramento, CA 95823.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Chapel.
Helen E. Smith
Helen Elizabeth Smith of Davis died May 24, 2002, at the Sierra Health Care Convalescent Hospital in Davis. She was 85.
She was born Helen Claghorn on April 11, 1917, and was raised in Boston and lived there through early adulthood.
As a young woman, she was an accomplished horsewoman and pianist. In 1944, at age 27, she joined Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service, underwent military training at Stillwater, Okla., and was later stationed at Sanford, Maine, where she was yeoman second class and troop bugler. She left the emergency service organization in 1946.
While in Maine, she met her future husband, Byers Granville Smith, who at the time was a lieutenant in the Navy. He later retired as a lieutenant commander.
The two lived a military family life, residing in Indiana; Chula Vista; Long Island; Boston; Washington, D.C.; and Monterey. After his retirement, they settled in Thousand Oaks.
She also raised four children: Stephen Granville of Victorville, Victoria Ann of Davis, Diana Elizabeth of Santa Rosa and Carl Roger of Hawaii. She was employed as an executive secretary throughout the years she raised her children.
Her husband died unexpectedly in 1969, and left her with two young children still at home. She then moved the family to Pebble Beach, where she volunteered as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Corps, working with girls who hoped to join the military.
She decided to finish her college education and received her bachelor's degree in history from UC Santa Cruz at age 66. She later moved to Tacoma, Wash., where she was actively involved in Parkland United Methodist Church. She became a minister at that church in 1984.
When her health declined in 2000 she moved to Davis to be near her children.
She is survived by all her children; by her brother, William Claghorn of Princeton, Mass.; grandchildren Molly, Crystal and Casey; and step-grandchildren Travis and Joel.
She is further survived by son-in-law Steve McMahon of Davis; and daughters-in-law Judi Smith of Victorville and Christina Smith of Hawaii.
The family extends deep gratitude to the nursing staff (especially in the E-wing) and the administration of Sierra, which is unparalleled in its compassion and the quality of their care, and to the members of the United Methodist Church of Davis, who welcomed Helen into their community and provided sustenance to her until her death.
A memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church of Davis, 1620 Anderson Road, Davis.
Roy O. Smith
Roy O. Smith, a Davis resident and World War II veteran, died May 26, 2003. He was 84.
He was born April 26, 1919, to Clyde and Lucy Hegler Smith. They lived first on the Hegler Ranch at Walker, then moved to Scott Valley. Smith graduated from Fort Jones High School in 1937.
On Dec. 3, 1939, he marriage his wife of 63 years, Dorothea Rae Newman. At the time he was working for his father and local rancher. He later went to work for the Yuba Dredge Company, moving to Benicia to serve a machinist apprenticeship offered by the company.
When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He spent most of his time on the island of Saipan, building refueling stations for B-17, B-19 and B-24 bombers.
After he was discharged in August 1946 he returned with his young family to Scott Valley and to his job on a dredge, this time on Coffee Creek in Trinity County.
In 1948 he went to work in the lumber business. In time he worked for several logging and lumber companies, including AP Logging, Eastlick Mills, Chaney Grant, Lester Easterlick and Sut Reynolds. He also had a partnership with Dick Luttrell in a backhoe and dump truck business for a time. While working for Easterlick Mills, Smith and his father designed and built sawmills at Finley Camp, on the Salmon River, and another near Montague.
In 1962 Smith became a heavy equipment mechanic for the State Division of Highways near Happy Camp. Two years later he transferred to the Division of Forestry in San Bernadino. Finally, in 1969, he transferred to the Davis facility of the Division of Forestry, where he served as superintendent of operations until his retirement in 1982.
He was a member of the Masonic North Star Lodge 91 in Fort Jones, the Medford, Ore., Elks Club and the Yreka Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 29, all for more than 50 years.
Preceded in death by his parents and sisters Jean Van Lindt Lowe and Lorna Crawford, he is survived by his wife and four sons, James of Greenview, Edward of Union City, Thomas of Sparks, Nev., and Michael of Davis, as well as 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Masonic and military graveside services will be held at the Fort Jones Cemetery on June 7, 2003, at 11 a.m.
